Veterans threaten class action on Maralinga

A group of Australian veterans involved in the British atomic tests at Maralinga will launch a class action if the Federal Government fails to respond to a letter by the end of August.

The Australian Nuclear Veterans Association sent the letter to the Veterans Affairs Minister Alan Griffin this week, seeking compensation for ill health after being exposed in the tests during the 1950s and 60s.

The association's president, Ric Johnstone, says he expects the Government will attempt to stall the process.

"We've sent a letter to the Government which explains that we have two options, either he can settle with us out of court or else we'll go to court," he said.

"It's not unusual for a response to take a month or so from the Department of Veteran Affairs, but we'll give him a couple of weeks."